The Lapco Train the Trainer (TT) programme is designed to equip robotic surgeons with the skills to become more effective trainers within their own hospitals- supporting trainees and peers through structured, evidence-based teaching.
As robotic surgery becomes increasingly central to all areas of gynaecological practice, the British & Irish Association of Robotic Gynaecological Surgeons (BIARGS) remains committed to supporting its members not only as surgeons, but also as educators.
A dual training model for sustainable growth
In this second stage of the programme, six BIARGS members -Thomas Ind, Nahid Gul, Simon Butler-Manuel, Marielle Nobbenhuis, Tim Hookway, and Jonathan Lippiatt- were trained to deliver the LAPCO TT course. Alongside this, six additional delegates were trained to become more effective robotic trainers.
This dual training approach strengthens faculty capability while simultaneously upskilling a wider group of society members, creating an efficient and scalable model for national training delivery.
Practical learning, applied in the operating room
Hosted at the ICENI Centre in Colchester, the two-day course was highly interactive and firmly grounded in real-world practice.
Day one focused on practical training and the application of the LAPCO educational framework. On day two, participants took their newly acquired toolbox of tips and techniques directly into the operating room, reinforcing learning through immediate implementation—an essential element of the LAPCO methodology.
We extend our thanks to Sharmila Gupta, Tom Cecil, and Mark Coleman for their continued commitment to innovation and excellence in surgical training.
This course represents another important step in building a sustainable, high-quality robotic training ecosystem – led by clinicians, for clinicians, and focused on improving surgical performance where it matters most.